North Queensland Cowboys have confirmed their released list and it features former Leigh Leopards forward Kai O’Donnell, who now looks in line to secure a return to Super League.

Leigh, and in particular head coach Adrian Lam, have made no secret of their interest in bringing O’Donnell back to the Leopards’ den, with Lam speaking on multiple occasions this year about his love for the second-rower.

The Leopards had hoped to try and bring in O’Donnell before the end-of-season transfer deadline but injuries for the Cowboys in the pack ensured the off-contract forward was needed down under, and ultimately no move came about.

North Queensland have now confirmed that the 26-year-old will not be retained, with O’Donnell being one of ten players farewelled, including Super League-bound John Bateman.

With his future in the NRL now up in the air, Leigh have a perfect chance to bring home the man that Lam has spoken so fondly of this year.

What has Adrian Lam said on a Leigh Leopards’ return for Kai O’Donnell?

Speaking in early July, Lam would admit: “When we’ve lost all those players over the last two or three years, if we could bring one back, it’d probably be him but that opportunity won’t come about unless he’s interested in a move to Super League.”

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He’d comment again in early August, adding: “He’s one that we respect here, me as a coach. I’ve always said that someone like Kai is a player that, if we could ever bring someone back, it would be someone like him because he’s the ultimate professional.”

With O’Donnell’s Cowboys’ release now made official, Leigh may well up the ante in talks to try and bring the second-rower back to Super League.

Once a Cowboy, always a Cowboy 💙💛 📲 https://t.co/Qvdk0p7P9I pic.twitter.com/13fEVzGPX7

— NQ Cowboys (@nthqldcowboys) September 15, 2026